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Patricia Mertz Esswein

Contributing Writer, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Esswein joined Kiplinger in May 1984 as director of special publications and managing editor of Kiplinger Books. In 2004, she began covering real estate for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, writing about the housing market, buying and selling a home, getting a mortgage, and home improvement. Prior to joining Kiplinger, Esswein wrote and edited for Empire Sports, a monthly magazine covering sports and recreation in upstate New York. She holds a BA degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, in St. Peter, Minn., and an MA in magazine journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

A mature man enjoys his vacation by diving off of the deck of a catamaran sail boat into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean on a beautiful day.

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Making Your Money Last

Retirement Living: Home Is a Boat in the Caribbean

Sure, the quarters are close and you have to navigate a sea change in your lifestyle. But for some, retiring on a boat is the right way to go.

June 9, 2022

Senior man uses digital tablet on wooden pier, sun

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Best Places

Find Your Perfect Place to Retire

Just packing up and heading south when you retire isn't the answer. We offer some smart guidance to finding your best place to retire.

April 5, 2022

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travel

How Retirees Can Book a Last-Minute Winter Getaway

If you've decided on a jaunt to warmer climates late in the season, don't despair. There are still ways to find a great vacation rental.

February 11, 2022

A homeowner talks to two travelers who are renting out his house.

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retirement

How Retirees Can Earn Extra Cash by Turning Their Home Into an Airbnb

Airbnb hosts use these extra funds to help shore up their finances in retirement. But beware that opening your home to travelers also comes with risks…

December 15, 2021

A nurse helps a nursing home resident get out of bed

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long term care

Crucial Steps in the Search for the Right Nursing Home

Finding a skilled nursing facility or nursing home after a hospital stay can be daunting. Follow these steps and tips to make the process easier.

August 18, 2021

Real estate agent showing new property to couple outdoors

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home

15 Home Features Today's Buyers Want Most

Thinking about selling your house? Here are 15 home features potential buyers are coveting right now.

August 2, 2021

Realtor meeting young couple and their child at a house for sale

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real estate

26 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House

As a home seller, you don't want to let the small -- or big -- fixes around your house that have added up over the years sabotage your bottom line dur…

July 29, 2021

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real estate

How to Disaster-Proof Your Home

Natural disasters are going to happen. Take steps to prepare—and see if you can get help with the costs.

July 9, 2021

A welcome mat, surrounded by boxes and shoes, says home sweet home.

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mortgages

Should You Rent or Buy Your Next Home in Retirement?

If you’re thinking about renting your next home instead of buying, consider the pros and cons of the decision.

May 27, 2021

A group of people gathered around a table

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Coronavirus and Your Money

A COVID Storm Hits Senior Living

The pandemic has created significant challenges for all types of senior living communities. Because of that, it's more important than ever to review a…

March 3, 2021

retired man sits on the porch of his tiny home working on his laptop

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Making Your Money Last

A Retirement Home Is a Tiny House in the Kids’ Backyard

A tiny home in retirement could be a more-affordable way to downsize and still be close to family.

December 31, 2020

Senior couple buying or selling a house shaking hands with Realtor

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Budgeting

Planning to Sell Your Home in Retirement? Downsize Costs Along With Space

In this hot real estate market, consider the costs of buying and selling a house along with the expenses associated with your new digs.

November 13, 2020

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Budgeting

Retirees, Make the Most of Your Home Equity

A home equity loan or home equity line of credit may be perfect for your retirement finances. But don't delay; a fee increase is coming.

November 2, 2020

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real estate

26 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House

As a home seller, you don't want to let the small -- or big -- fixes around your house that have added up over the years sabotage your bottom line dur…

October 16, 2020

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Business Costs & Regulation

Retirees, Create An Emergency Fund for Rental Property

Build a cushion to protect your income from an unforeseen crisis.

September 15, 2020

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real estate

12 Things Every Home Buyer Should Do

Buying a home may be one of the biggest purchases you will ever make.

June 12, 2020

An arrow shaped red "Home For Sale" sign in front of a suburban 2-story home.The green grass and blue sky is visible in the background.

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real estate

11 Things Every Home Seller Should Do

As a home seller, your goal is to sell your property quickly for the most money possible.

June 12, 2020

a woman organizes clothes in living room of her home.

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real estate

The Complete Guide to Decluttering

Spending a lot of time at home? What better time to get organized?

May 8, 2020

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retirement

Retirees, Sell Your Home Without a Hassle

If you need a quick sale so you can move to a better or different situation, you have some quick-turnaround options.

April 6, 2020

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Smart Buying

Trim the Cost of Pet Care

Your furry friends can run up a big tab over their lifetime, but we'll show you how to keep expenses in check.

February 21, 2020

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investing

Does Rental Income Count for IRA Contributions?

Rental income is considered "passive," and traditional and Roth IRA contributions must come from "active" income, or compensation from working.

November 9, 2019

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Travel

How to Get Rid of a Timeshare

It’s not easy, and you will never get back what you paid for it.

October 3, 2019

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spending

Discover Your Roots With DNA Testing

DNA testing offers insights into your family tree, but watch out for unintended consequences.

October 3, 2019

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loans

Unconventional Mortgage Loans Are Making a Comeback

Lenders are making it easier to get loans, but a repeat of the housing crisis isn’t in the cards.

October 3, 2019

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Making Your Money Last

How to Complain and Get Results

Impersonal customer service makes it hard to get help. Here's the script for success.

September 17, 2019

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Tax Breaks

Market for Home Solar Systems Heats Up

With falling costs and hefty tax credits for solar systems, more homeowners are harnessing the sun to save money.

August 6, 2019

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interest rates

Now Is a Good Time to Refinance

You may benefit even if you can’t reduce your mortgage rate by a full percentage point.

August 1, 2019